Once Upon A Lie (2025): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2025, Once Upon A Lie is a drama and romance film directed by Stanley Liu Ming Yin, running about 90 minutes.

What it’s about. Online movie critic known for his sharp reviews, has now become an AI to dish the dirt on the latest cinematic disaster, "The Mermaid Falls for Me." A struggling writer who's close to his mom, stumbles into an online romance with a fan of his work. He thinks he's hit the jackpot in love and heads to an island for a mix of business and pleasure. But when his internet sweetheart is a no-show and his writing gig goes south, He's left high and dry. That's when he unexpectedly connects with Wen, his innkeeper, who's actually his online crush in disguise—a woman healing from a broken heart through her anonymous internet persona. Wen, once shy and lacking confidence, comes alive with the writer’s flirty chats. The writer inspired by Wen, invites her to co-write a new spin on the tired mermaid story. But as they finish, life throws a wrench in the works: His mom falls ill. In the emotional chaos, he finds out Wen was his mystery girl all along. He reacts badly, and Wen leaves, heartbroken.

Who’s in it. Once Upon A Lie stars Irene Wan, Bruce He, Gua Ah-leh and Tou Tsung-hua, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 10.0/10, Once Upon A Lie sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Once Upon A Lie page.

If you liked it. Fans of Once Upon A Lie tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.